Funding Boost for Ontario's Agri-Food Biosecurity

The governments of Canada and Ontario are allocating up to $7.5 million to support 365 projects aimed at enhancing biosecurity in the province's agri-food sector. This funding is part of the Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative, which is expected to generate up to $31.5 million in total investments when combined with cost-shared contributions from the sector.

The initiative provides cost-share funding ranging from 35% to 50% for eligible farmers, processors, and select agri-food businesses. The funding supports activities such as implementing technologies to reduce the spread of diseases and making capital upgrades for biosecurity improvements. Examples of funded projects include:

• A sheep farm in Clarington receiving up to $50,000 to build a new barn for improved isolation processes.
• An Ottawa-area farm receiving up to $50,000 for an electronic traceability system to enhance cattle biosecurity.
• A berry farm in the Niagara Region receiving up to $29,353 for a steam treatment system to combat pests and diseases.

This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to bolster the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada's agriculture sector. The partnership includes $1 billion in federal programs and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially.